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Monrovia – The European Union (EU) through its Delegation to Liberia has cautioned that Liberians ensured that the much publicized June 7th protest dubbed “Save the State”, unfolds peacefully.
Organizers of the planned mass protest have promised to be peaceful during the course of their protestation against what they term bad governance under the rule of retired footballer turned politician, George Weah.
The would-be-protesters say beginning 7 June and running for several days to come, they will initiate several protest actions and petition the Weah-led government, to among others publicly declare his assets, and fire his Minister of Finance, Samuel Tweah and Central Bank Governor Nathaniel Patray, and turn both men over for persecution, for their alleged involvement in mismanagement and/or misapplication of some US$25 million intended to mop-up excess liquidity of Liberian dollars from the country’s fast-dwindling economy.
But EU Delegation and EU Member States’ Missions in Monrovia say while Article 17 of the Liberian Constitution states that all persons, at all times, in an orderly and peaceable manner, shall have the right to assemble and to petition the Government for the redress of grievances, there is a need to ensure that the planned June 7th protest unfolds peacefully.
In a statement Tuesday, EU states that Liberia has made great progress since the end of the civil conflict in 2003, in terms of peace, stability, democracy and security, noting that this progress was possible through the sustained efforts of the Liberians, who cherish and uphold their hard-won peace.
Howbeit, EU emphasized that the planned June 7th protest can be yet another moment for Liberians to show to the world that they can express themselves and engage with one another in a free, respectful and peaceful way, and that peace and democracy are on an irreversible course in the country.
“Maintaining the peace and stability Liberia is now experiencing is everyone’s responsibility: the citizens and the Government. We welcome that the Government has acknowledged the Constitutional right of Liberians to peaceful protest, and committed to ensuring their protection,” the EU statement read.
The EU Missions in Monrovia say they are aware and concerned about the difficult economic situation Liberia is going through and the hardship faced by the people of Liberia, stressing that “In order to address and resolve the challenges Liberia is facing, inclusive, regular and constructive dialogue is always the best avenue; a dialogue that enables Liberians to engage each other and work together to build the future of their country.”
The EU which says it is deeply committed to continuing to support Liberia’s peacebuilding and development efforts, recognizes the valuable role played by the United Nations, the African Union, and the Economic Community of West African States in support of dialogue in Liberia, and fully backs these efforts.
While expressing its Monrovia Missions’ confidence that the Liberians will protect their country’s peace and stability on and after the 7th of June and always, EU says it will continue assisting Liberia in the implementation of the Weah administration’s Pro-Poor Agenda for Development and Prosperity and in other critical areas.
